By Otsile Kadiege

Late last year, Renault South Africa invited us to preview a pre-production unit of the third-generation Duster which introduces major updates. The Duster nameplate debuted back in 2010 and it was updated in 2017. Throughout its long shelf life, the Duster has won numerous awards and over 2.2 million units were sold worldwide, making it one of the brand’s popular models.

With local homologation done and ‘dusted’, Renault South Africa is ready to launch the newcomer which gets a  bolder, more assertive design, an enhanced interior experience, a mild-hybrid powertrain, upgraded safety and it’s based on the brand’s popular CMF-B platform.

Exterior design

Outside, the Duster’s design is more modern and muscular giving the SUV a tough stance. Highlights include Signature Y-shaped LED headlights and taillights, a larger grille with the prominent ‘Renault’ lettering, chunky cladding which house  17- or 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, skid plates for an off-road appeal, modular roof bars with a load capacity of 70kg (6MT 4WD derivative).

The 4WD derivative has a higher ground clearance of 217mm when compared with the old Duster’s 210mm. It’s also available with the following exterior paint colours: Sandstone Beige, Terracotta Brown, Cedar Green, Glacier White, Dusty Grey, Mercury Silver and Pearl Black (4×2).

Interior design, tech and space

The new Renault Duster features a completely redesigned interior, offering a modern, practical cabin with improved ergonomics. According to Renault, the new CMF-B platform creates a more spacious cabin, with increased legroom and boot space of 472 litres (for the 4×2 derivative). More highlights include a 10.1 -inch central screen angled towards the driver and running on Renault’s latest User Interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a YouClip 3-in-1 system, an innovative modular accessory attachment system designed to enhance practicality and convenience inside the cabin, and a wireless charging pad and an Arkamys 3D Sound System.

Safety

With safety of paramount importance, the new Renault Duster range has been upgraded in terms of safety and structural improvements for better crash protection.  The new Renault Duster model range is equipped standard with 6 Airbags – Driver, Passenger (front), Side and Curtain. Additional safety features include a multi-view camera (with 360 sensors), Tyre Pressure Detector (TPD) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).

New Duster grade-walk

The new Duster is available in three derivatives:  Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid, Zen EDC 4×2, and the top-tier option, Intens EDC 4×2.

Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid & Zen EDC 4×2 features:

Auto Headlamps (LED), Daytime Running Lights, auto wipers, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Smartphone replication, reverse camera, rear parking radar, electric parking brake, 6 Airbags, seat-belt Reminder (All-Round), 4WD Selector with 5 modes, modular roof bars (4WD), Mild Hybrid Engine (4WD), automatic climate control and YouClip 3-in-1 accessory system.

Intens EDC 4×2 features:

Blind Spot Detection, multiview camera (with a 360 View), auto fold mirrors, 360 Sensors (Front, Rear & Side), 18-inch Diamond Cut Dual-Tone alloy wheels, hands-free Key-card, wireless charging, Arkamys 3D Sound System, providing a more immersive sound experience, A Modular Boot Divider, enhancing cargo space, organization, and practicality.

Powertrain and capabilities

The new Renault Duster 4WD model introduces a mild-hybrid powertrain which combines a new-generation 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 48V battery and an electric motor (starter generator) to assist the internal combustion engine. The mild hybrid engine, with a 6-speed manual transmission, yields 96kW and increased torque efficiency through the electric assistance.

The Duster 4X2 EDC models are equipped with a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine, paired with the EDC automatic transmission in a front wheel drive 4X2 configuration.  Power output equates to 113kW and 250Nm torque available at 1,700 rpm. Fuel consumption is at a claimed 6.5L/ 100km.

The 4WD version offers 4WD Terrain Control with five driving modes: AUTO, SNOW, MUD/SAND, OFF-ROAD and ECO.  A generous ground clearance of 217 mm (between axles) in the 4WD version, along with optimized approach and departure angles, ensures exceptional off-road performance.  Downhill speed control provides added confidence on steep slopes. Off-road driving information, such as lateral tilt, uphill/downhill pitch, and torque distribution, is displayed on the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Pricing and warranty

(Excludes R 2 500 metallic paint)

Duster Zen EDC 4×2 – R489,999

Duster Intens 4×2 – R519,999

Duster Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid – R549,999

The new Renault Duster is backed by a 5-year/150,000 km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/ 45,000 km service plan, and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.